Our Savior's Lutheran Church
Ph 701-745-3346
from my perspective…
Have you ever wondered about Cain and Abel? In a jealous rage, Cain killed Abel, his brother. What caused Cain and his descendants to be so wicked? (e.g. Genesis 4:23-24) Abel and Cain had the same parents, Adam and Eve. There’s no mention of a tribe or culture to influence them. What happened? Simply put, Cain and his descendants followed their own self-centered heart. The Bible tells us that God seeks a humble and contrite heart. (Michah 6:8 and e.g. Deuteronomy 4:29-31) Also, with God a heart can be transform into His image.
For more than a hundred years, Christian education has systematically been taken out of our educational system. For the most part, Christians have gone along with this trend and now we are left with just one hour a week to teach Christians values. Without Christian values in the heart of people, we see the culture believing that their hearts are pure and any malady can be excused by reason that they were oppressed. I realize this is a simplification, but the underlying truth is that the Spirit of God can transform the human heart to be more like Abel than Cain.
Many think there is nothing we can do; the tide is too strong. But our Lord teaches us that if we have a little faith, the size of a mustard seed, we can move mountains. Which means we need to do our best work with our people and the children the Lord has given us.
Remember Elijah? Elijah stood as one prophet of the Lord God against 400 prophets of Baal and won the contest. Still Elijah was afraid of his earthly adversaries and fled into the mountains. There, in his fear and despair, the Lord taught him that the power of God is not in the great things of this world but heeding the ‘still small voice’ of the Lord.
But Elijah complained, “For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” (1 Kings 19:14, ESV) The Lord directed him to return and appoint faithful kings over the kingdoms and proclaimed there was a remnant of seven thousand whose hearts had not bowed to Baal. What do we learn? God can use our small offerings and change the world.
““Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12, ESV)
Jesus started out with twelve and see how the world was changed through Him.
Let’s invite the parents in our community to send their children to Sunday School which begins Sunday, September 27th at 10:00-10:30.
Your pastor
Dennis
Welcome!
I welcome your comments regarding our shared ministry at Our Savior's.
If you would rather comment privately; please, email me at prshepherd@westriv.com
I deeply desire to bring Christian comfort and the power of prayer to those who are challenged with sickness or circumstances in life.
Neither the hospitals or care centers are allowing visitation.
If it a matter of life and death, call me and I will contact them.
Pastor Dennis
Pastor Dennis R.
We have had our share of challenges this year.
If you or someone you know is struggling with fear and despair, I invite you to lay your hands on a copy of Max Lucado's book
Anxious for Nothing:
Finding Calm in a Chaotic World.
We, also, have a helpful copy of "Cancer. Now What?"
available in the church office.
Of course, please contact me if you would like to chat or meet for a cup of coffee.
Pastor Dennis
